Mass Resignations and Hunger Strikes: Doctors' Protest in West Bengal Escalates

Mass Resignations and Hunger Strikes: Doctors' Protest in West Bengal Escalates

The healthcare system in West Bengal finds itself at a crossroads as both junior and senior doctors intensify their protests against the state government. The crisis began following the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor in August 2024 at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College, triggering widespread anger and demands for justice.

The Start of the Protests

In the aftermath of the incident, junior doctors initiated a series of demonstrations to express their outrage and demand better protection and justice. On October 5, some began an indefinite hunger strike, with the protest spreading to other medical institutions, including the North Bengal Medical College in Siliguri.

Initially, only a few doctors participated in the hunger strike, but the number soon grew to 10, reflecting a growing determination among medical professionals. As the health of the fasting doctors deteriorated, the pressure on the state government increased.

Mass Resignations: Symbolic or Substantial?

In solidarity with their junior colleagues, over 200 senior doctors from various government hospitals in Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal submitted letters of resignation. However, the state government dismissed these resignations as symbolic and legally invalid.

Alapan Bandyopadhyay, a chief advisor to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, emphasized that the resignation letters did not follow proper service rules. “These letters lack proper signatures, designations, and personal details,” he noted, stressing that they had no legal standing.

The senior doctors clarified that their resignations were intended to pressure the government to engage in dialogue rather than to disrupt healthcare services. Dr. Sunit Hazra, an orthopedic surgeon, stated, “We will continue treating patients during this festive period because it is our duty, but the government must respond.”

Health Crisis Among Fasting Doctors

As the hunger strike entered its second week, the health of several doctors worsened. One protester, Aniket Mahato, had to be admitted to the critical care unit of RG Kar Hospital. Though his condition was declared stable, doctors expressed concern over rising health risks among the fasting medics.

Dr. Debasish Halder, another protester, reported that the hunger strike had begun to take a toll on the participants' bodies, with increasing creatinine levels and other complications.

Support from AIIMS and Nationwide Impact

The protests have garnered national attention, with the Resident Doctors' Association of AIIMS in New Delhi sending a letter to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The letter urged the Bengal government to address the junior doctors' grievances, warning that the association might escalate its response if their demands were not met by October 14.

“The deteriorating health of these junior doctors is a matter of grave concern,” the letter stated. The AIIMS association also hinted at nationwide protests that could affect healthcare services across India if the Bengal government failed to act promptly.

Government’s Dilemma

The West Bengal government faces a difficult situation. While officials insist that proper resignation protocols have not been followed, the pressure from doctors—symbolic or otherwise—is mounting. The government’s response is being closely monitored, especially as the hunger strike continues unabated.

Senior doctors have also hinted that if the government remains unresponsive, they might consider submitting individual resignations in line with official procedures, a move that could significantly disrupt healthcare services.

Conclusion: A Call for Dialogue

The protests reflect deeper issues within the healthcare sector, including safety concerns, working conditions, and demands for systemic reforms. The doctors' movement, initially sparked by a tragic crime, has evolved into a larger campaign for justice and change.

The Bengal government must act swiftly, not just to prevent harm to the fasting doctors but also to restore stability within the medical community. As the October 14 deadline from AIIMS approaches, the need for constructive dialogue between the government and protesting doctors has never been more urgent.

This blog captures the critical aspects of the ongoing protests and the tense situation in West Bengal’s healthcare sector.

Reference From: www.ndtv.com